Jehr Schiavo knows good hair. In the '70s, he enrolled in Vidal Sassoon's San Francisco institute, learning to cut hair alongside a then-unknown Whoopi Goldberg. After years doing hair backstage at runway shows (and cutting hair in nightclubs at 2 a.m.), Schiavo met Jeanette, now his wife, and started a family (they have a 9-year-old daughter, LouLou). But rather than settling down, Schiavo took his business on the road, cutting "haute couture" hair based on a simple philosophy of strong cuts that can be effortlessly styled. (Think California beach waves meets Parisian chic.)

Now Schiavo has a roster of clients around the country who visit him in upscale hotels in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Miami. And, impressively, he prides himself on creating his masterful cuts using just a pair of scissor and a spray bottle of water.

We caught up with Schiavo to learn how we can reinvigorate our locks and get effortless style, without spending hours at a salon.

Tell us about your philosophy for hair.

I believe in creating chic, effortless, and heathy hair through sustainable hairstyling. I'm a sculptor and create a cut based on truly bringing out the inner beauty, or core beauty, of a women's hair. Treat your hair lovingly.

How do you bring out the natural beauty of someone's hair?

Through a thorough consultation, I assess the textures and capabilities of each person's hair to accentuate its natural shape and body. I also consider facial structure, proportion to height, and overall appearance, so that the cut brings out a patron's natural beauty. My cuts needs no further combing, brushing, blowing, or ironing. Simply wash, towel blot, and add a pea-size hairdressing cream throughout when hair seems 50% dry—usually around 20 minutes. I recommend my clients use an oil cream, like Vitapointe. Think of it as the moisturizer you apply to your skin.

What is best prescription for caring for hair year-round?

Stay hydrated, drinking at least three liters of water each day. Wear a hat when under direct sunlight. Avoid shampooing every day and instead conditioning daily. I also recommend my client brush one hundred strokes before bed each evening.

Is there one must-have product you recommend to all of your clients?

England's 128-year-old Mason Pearson brush. It serves two necessary purposes: extracting sebaceous oil out toward hairs shaft and ends, and stimulating blood supply at the follicle. Within six weeks of using the brush each night, thickness and sheen with improve by 10 to 15 percent. Brush your hair at night on dry hair, 50 strokes forward and 50 strokes back.

What is the best way to condition hair?

Completely saturate hair under the shower, then remove as much water as possible, squeezing with both hands, this will allow conditioner full absorption. Using a quarter-size amount, disperse product evenly, specific to the shaft and ends; conditioning directly onto anyone's scalp isn't necessary. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to smooth the conditioner through hair and clip up out of your way while you finish showering so that conditioner is left in for several minutes.

You recommend that your clients refrain from coloring their hair, why is that?

Color application immediately depletes hair of its natural oils and luster. They also add toxicity to the environment once rinsed. Highlights initially seem intriguing but over an extended period can wind up looking too bleached out or faded and can get you hooked in a cycle of coloring. Taking a break from coloring gives hair a chance to get back its natural strength.

What is best way to make hair stronger and healthier?

Keep temptation at a safe distance. It is best to avoid chemical services, blow dryers, and irons. No chemical services can promise the same luxurious shine as growing naturally healthy hair. Shampooing every day can also make hair dull and dry. Instead, condition daily and shampoo hair 2 to 3 times a week, use the balls of your fingers, focusing on the scalp, to rinse dust and pollution from your hair. We recommend a gentle shampoo, like Joico Color Endure.

How often should we cut our hair?

Hair grows, on average, one-half inch a month. Mid-to-long hair can but cut twice a year. A client with shoulder-length hair we typically care for quarterly. A shorter, coquette cut requires an appointment every other month.

What are your travel beauty tips?

Pack light, use antibacterial hand sanitizer, pack healthy snacks to avoid in-flight meals, and drink purified water. When I first arrive at a new location I always take an extra steamy shower and get sleep eight hours. Wake sharing dreams next to someone worthy.

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